K.J. Chapman's Blog, page 90

Quotes of the Week, November 9th 2015

Maya Angelou 1928-2014

Author, Poet, and American Rights Activist

‘Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.’

‘There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.’

‘The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.’

‘You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.’

Happy Monday, Folks.

Word Count Weekly #13

It has been a strange, old week as far as my writing goes. I was writing less than one hundred words a day because something wasn’t sitting right with my narrative. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but something was holding me back, niggling at the back on mind.

I took a breather, got on with some of my writing exercises, and went back to the trusted pen and paper to jot down my narrative so far. As I was doing this something unbelievably obvious screamed out to me. One of my characters, who I had high hopes for, wasn’t pulling their weight, so I erased them; brutal, but effective. They were easy to erase from the narrative which says it all about their non-existent input into the story.

After this, I felt cleansed and sat down to write again… yet… something still wasn’t right.

Another day passed with no more than one hundred and fifty words written.  I was frustrated with myself and my characters, so like all good writers do, I decided to waste some time on Twitter.

It was when I was perusing the weird and wonderfulness of social media that I had a brainwave. It was one of those ‘grab the pen and don’t voice your excitement out loud in case you jinx the idea’ moments. It’s not monumental to my overall narrative, but it has given me the background I need to create those monumental moments further down the line.

Needless to say, my word count is pretty dismal this week, even after my sudden inspiration on Friday and Saturday.

1784 Words

On a plus note, I have written and scheduled most of my ‘Prompt Me’ posts for the next few weeks. If you would like to offer up a writing prompt for me to expand on just follow this link.

Excerpt from this week’s WIP:

 “Don’t try any EVO shit with me. This cage is programmed to sedate anyone with elevated kinetic output.” He points to black gun like devices swirling around the top of the cage. “They activate in case of emergency.” He back hands me across the face and the cut re-opens on impact.

Excerpts are the works of K.J.Chapman

The Confessions of a Writer

Claire over at Art and Soul tagged me in this fabulous new tag: The Confession of a Writer Tag. Thank you for thinking of me Claire, and I hope you enjoy my answers.

The Confessions of a Writer Tag was created by Nicolette at A Little Bookish, A Little Writerly. It is a ‘get-to-know’ the writer interview tag, dedicated to spotlighting the creative process, works in progress, and connecting to other writers.

Rules of the Tag:

Please link back to A Little Bookish, A Little Writerly’s post, so that the original rules are always accessible to anyone who is curious and wants to participate!
Acknowledge the person who tagged you in your post.
Tag your friends and fellow writers – it’s up to you how many!

The Questions and My Answers:

1.When did you first start writing? Was being a writer something you always aspired to be?

I remember reading Charlotte’s Web as a child, and then having it read to me again during story time at primary school. I loved that book dearly and I believe that was when I decided I wanted to create my own stories and worlds.

2. What genre do you write?

I enjoy reading and writing YA, NA, science fiction, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. That’s not to say I wont write in a different genre, but as of yet, the inspiration hasn’t called to me.

3. Can you tell us a little about your current work in progress? When did you start working on this project?

I’m currently working on book two in the EVO Nation Series, EVO Shift. I started this project in June 2015 after self-publishing book one, EVO Nation. I also have a little non-fiction project I am quietly working on.

4. What was your first piece that you can remember writing? What was it about?

I actually have a piece that I wrote whilst at primary school. It’s a rewrite of Little Red Riding Hood, and instead of a big bad wolf there are human flesh eating dragons called Morice and Norice. My mum kept it all those years and found it last year. We were in tears reading it. T’was a funny read. (I even drew a picture)…

5. What’s the best part about writing?

Creating something from nothing. I love the freedom of the worlds I create. I can fill it with whomever I want, and disappear into it whenever I want.

6. What’s the worst part about writing?

Time constraints. I have a family and they take priority, but you can bet your last quid that I get an idea or spark of inspiration when I have no possible chance at sitting down for five minutes to write it down or get started.

7. What’s the name of your favorite character and why? (This can be from a book by another author or from your own work. Book crushes are perfectly acceptable here as well.)

Jane Eyre. It’s due to her intellect, her independence, and the sheer fact that she knows herself. As a teen, when I first read this book, she resonated with me.

8. How much time a day/week do you get to write? When is the best time for you to write (morning or night)?

It’s hard to say. Can I answer with- as much as I can and whenever I can? Yep, that sounds about right.

9. Did you go to college for writing? Or if you haven’t been to college yet, do you plan to?

I didn’t study writing at college, I studied… wait for it… business studies. When I left college I got a job using my qualifications and I hated it with a passion. The managers were total assholes and I left work crying on more than one occasion. The day I left was the same day I found another job as a health care assistant at a care home. Writing is my passion and I will slog it out until I can make it my full-time career.

10. What bothers you more: spelling errors, punctuation errors, or grammar errors?

They all do, but it’s amazing how blinded we are against our own errors.

11. What is the best writing advice that anyone has given you?

To write the first draft, and then start the editing process.

12. What advice would you give to another writer?

If you want to write professionally you must start to build up your web presence ie blogs, social media etc. Start before you’ve even published/self-published your book.

13. What are your favorite writing sites or blogs that you turn to for help, tips or encouragement?

I find other bloggers in similar situations to myself offer the best advice and tips. It’s nice to read something and think, ‘Phew, I’m not the only one.‘ I have too many to mention here, but I’d urge every writer to get in on the blogging community as soon as possible.

14. Besides writing, what else do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies?

I’m a fan girl, and my interests are Dr Who, Firefly, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and anything Marvel. I guess I watch a lot of TV/ films.

15. What is the best book you’ve read this year?

The Girl in Between by Laeken Zea Kemp. I posted a review on this book. It is currently FREE on Amazon and well worth a download.

16. What is the best movie you’ve seen this year?

Mad Max was a total trip, but I loved it, and of course… Avengers: Age of Ultron.

17. What is your favorite book or series of all time?

I would say my favourite book is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I am a sucker for the Harry Potter Series too.

18. Who is your favorite author?

Wow, how to answer that? I have favourites for different reasons: Stephen King, JK Rowling, Jane Austen, Markus Zusak, John Green, Anita Shreve, Anne Rice, Alice Sebold, Charlotte Bronte, Daphne Du Maurier, Kami Garcia, Marie Lu, Garth Nix.

19. What are your plans for the rest of the year in terms of your writing?

I plan to crack on with EVO Shift, and hopefully finish my side project by Christmas… watch this space.

20. Where else can we find you online?

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOODREADS

AMAZON

PINTEREST

My Tags: (I won’t be offended if you don’t want to take part :))

Hyper Active Pandemonium
Alias Faith Rivens
Scribbles on Cocktail Napkins
Cookie Break

I look forward to seeing your answers.

Review: EVO Nation by K. J. Chapman

kj86chapman:

Sarina over at Cookie Break has read and reviewed EVO Nation. Here’s the review: (Thank you again, Sarina)

Originally posted on Cookie Break:

EVO Nation by K. J. Chapman

“The government tortures her, her own kind uses her, and she is learning the true meaning of ulterior motives. Teddie Leason has been dragged into the festering underbelly of the secretive world of EVO. A world about to be blown wide apart.

Now, the reclusive teenager who couldn’t get upset without her unruly ability causing destruction has to somehow embrace her gift to save her new friends and her new love.

Will the actions of one man fuel a suppressed, supremacist cult’s desire for war and vengeance, or will Teddie be strong enough to stop him?”

I shall be careful not to give away too much. If you do decide to read any of the ‘reviewed’ books I wouldn’t want to spoil the ending for you, or give away any other major plot twists, so I’ll try to be as vague as possible. However…

View original 550 more words

Poetry Inspiration

Fire and Ice by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Some say the world will end in fire,

Some say in ice.

From what I’ve tasted of desire

I hold with those who favour fire.

But if it had to perish twice,

I think I know enough of hate

To say that for destruction ice

Is also great

And would suffice.

How Often to Blog?

How often to blog? That is the question.

I have had conflicting advice regarding this topic and I decided the best way to find out was to monitor my own blog posts. I wanted to gauge for myself whether it would be a struggle to find ideas to post about or if I had an abundance of ideas, but not enough days to post them. I started my blog back in June 2015, so it’s still in its infancy, but I have learnt a lot in the last four to five months.

I’m sorry if you’re the type of blogger that I am about to mention, but I cannot stand it when my email is inundated with numerous blog posts from the same blogger all on the same day. I’d rather read one of your blog posts a day, and not feel swamped. I’m a scheduling type of girl and if I do have a bout of motivation and draft numerous blogs in one day, I schedule them for future dates.

My findings: 

I have plenty of things to post about, but it’s okay to jot the idea down and post or schedule it for a later date. On average I post about 5 times a week, although, I have been known to post every day if I have a lot to fit in. I stick to just one post a day where possible.

Getting into a routine helps. I have allotted slots for certain posts i.e. Mondays are my quote posts and Sundays are my word count posts. Always having something to post about on these days makes life a little easier. I have been filling Tuesday’s slots with my ‘Ten Weeks, Ten Prompts, Ten Minutes’ writing exercises, but they ended yesterday, and I will fill this slot with more writing exercises of various kinds.

If you post regularly you also notice patterns in what sort of posts your followers prefer. That doesn’t mean you should only write posts of a similar kind, but you can judge the style of post and perhaps schedule those posts as regulars.

If you’re new to blogging, I would recommend at least one blog post every two days to keep your blog from falling quiet and to build up your followers. Get interactive, communicate on other blogs, and like and re-blog anything you find informative or would suit your blog. The blogging community is supportive, but you have to return that support.

Ten Weeks, Ten Prompts, Ten Minutes #10

I find myself at the finish line of the ‘Ten Weeks, Ten Prompts, Ten Minutes’ writing challenge that I set myself back in September. These posts have been some of the most enjoyable posts I have created to date. It was nice to take ten minutes from the writing of my second novel, and to indulge other story ideas that rattle around in my head.

I have worked my way through every prompt I posted in my Narrative Prompts post, and now onto the tenth and final prompt.

Prompt Ten:

The ticket woman looks at me like I’m a crazy person. “The year is 2030.”

I laugh in her face. How can I go to the cinema in 2015, fall asleep, and wake up fifteen years later?

“You wouldn’t happen to be Serene?” She asks.

I nod, fighting the bile taste back down my throat.

“Good, because that thing has been creeping me out,” she says, pointing to a white robot machine of sorts. It has the frame of a human being with angular edges, but no face. A black panel fills the space instead, lights glowing like fireworks behind. In its gripper hands it holds a piece of paper with Serene Miller written on it.

“What is it?”

She spits out some of her slushy. “You’re kidding, right? That’s a LiveBot, the most intelligent robot on the market. It is programmed only to it’s owner.”

“Who’s its owner?”

The robot animates, moving toward me in a fluid, human like fashion, and the ticket woman shrieks. “I am the assistant to Mr Miller. I have come to escort you to his residence, Miss Serene.” The voice sounds human, if not a little monotone. It’s male and well spoken.

Relief floods my body. My Dad will have answers and explain everything away. I need my Dad, I need his reassurance. “I think I might be ill,” I tell the LiveBot as it thanks the ticket woman and leads me gently by my arm to a parked car.

“I have read your vitals and you are perfectly healthy, Miss Serene. All will be explained in due course.” The robot opens the passenger door to a swanky sports car, and climbs into the driver’s seat. “Buckle up, please.”

“Are you allowed to drive?” I ask, mouth gaping.

The Live Bot turns it’s screen, face, head, thingy in my direction. “There have been zero vehicular accidents of LiveBot operated vehicles since 2020,” it states, pulling out into the flowing traffic. “Mr Miller has a strong emotional attachment to you, and would not entrust you to my care if he was not certain that I could escort you safely.”

I close my eyes and phase out the robots ramblings. Perhaps, if I try to sleep I’ll wake up back where I started and be out of this nightmare. I know the robot said I am perfectly healthy, but a cool sweat settles on my skin and a nausea flushes through me.

We head out of town and into what my Dad calls ‘rich folk territory’. The houses seem different, more angular, uglier in my opinion. The LiveBot pulls up outside a high, metal gate and presses a button on the dash. The gate slowly opens, and he crawls into the drive, stopping outside a glass fronted, expensive looking house that sticks out from the manincured lawns like a sore thumb.

“This is the Miller residence,” says the LiveBot, getting out of the car.

I shake my head in disbelief. This is the last place Dad would live. Being a blue coat in a warehouse left him with a little resentment toward the white collars. His boss lives up in ‘rich folk territory’ and Dad can’t stand the man.

“Are you sure? This doesn’t look like the–“

The glass door automatically slides open and a figure rushes out. Dad’s black hair, graying at the edges, and his tall, lean frame, but… I stagger away from the man approaching me. It’s not my Dad. He has on black rimmed glasses, the same black rimmed glasses that Joey wears.

“It’s me, Sis,” says a voice I recognise. I recognise it, but it’s huskier, deeper than I remember. I take another step backward, bumping into the LiveBot. “Serene, I know this is confusing, but it’s me. It’s Joey.”

“But your twenty years old not…”

“It’s been fifteen years. I’m thirty five now. You haven’t aged a day. I knew it, I knew he was telling the truth. The police said you were a runaway, but we knew you would never do that. I wish Dad could see this.”

“Why? Where is he?” I say, welling up. I want to cover my ears with my hands because I know by Joey’s face what he is going to say.

“Dad’s dead, Serene. He told me that you’d come back on this very date and at the exact time that you clearly did. He was murdered for knowing too much, that’s why I couldn’t risk collecting you myself and sent Frederick instead.” He turns to the LiveBot, Frederick. “Any problems?”

“Nothing to report, Sir.”

Joey rubs a hand over his head. “Good. Good. The van is packed. Wipe all the hard drives when we leave, even yours.”

Frederick shakes Joey’s hand. “Yes, Sir, it has been a pleasure working for you.”

Next week, there will be more prompt writing exercises, but with a twist. Fellow bloggers have put forward some brilliant original prompts for me to expand on. If you would like to offer a prompt, you can check out this link: Prompt Me, and comment below.

All excerpts are the works of K.J.Chapman

Raising Awareness for Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome & MND: My Sister in Law’s Struggle

I know this isn’t my usual type of post, but what’s the point of having a blog if we can’t use it to promote awareness of serious health issues when we know those affected?

Meet my sister in law, Becky Chapman:

Becky is a twenty eight year old, mother of four from Essex, England. Becky was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy at the age of four. She had two more episodes since her initial diagnosis at the age of eleven, and then again at sixteen.

Bell’s Palsy is part of the herpes virus that can lie dormant, but be triggered by illness, stress, and by coming into contact with chicken pox, and measles. The sufferer can experience facial paralysis, loss of taste, ear pain, eye problems, slurred speech, reduced sense of taste, numbness, and sensitivity to sound.

Now, Becky has been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome brought on by shingles in her inner ear. Ramsay Hunt Syndrome has similar symptoms to Bell’s Palsy, and has caused Becky motor neuron issues. Becky has her worst case of facial paralysis to date. The duration of the symptoms can be from weeks to months, and can cause long term damage.

In her video, Becky bravely tells the world what she is going through and the struggles she is facing. She also expresses empathy to those who suffer with the symptoms on a daily basis, and has started fundraising!

Please watch Becky’s heart felt, courageous video to raise awareness of these illnesses: Support Becky and Raise Awareness

Here is the link for Becky’s fundraising page: Fundraising for Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome & MND

Thank you all for your support and taking the time to read this important post!

Quotes of the Week, November 2nd 2015

I have chosen creativity to be my theme this week. I think it is important for every author, singer, artist, musician, dancer… to read these quotes and take them on board. In my opinion, creativity and bravery go hand in hand.

‘An essential part of creativity is not being afraid to fail.’ ~ Edwin Land

‘And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.’ ~ Sylvia Plath

‘Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.’ ~ Scott Adams

Happy Monday to all the creative souls out there!

Word Count Weekly #12

I am pleased to say that I am now well clear of the half way mark on EVO Shift’s first draft. I am most definitely progressing slower on book two than I did on book one, but promoting book one and daily life is consuming most of my writing time of late. But, hey, progress is progress, right?

4012 Words

It’s my lowest word count in a few weeks, but I knew that this week would be a stretch. 4012 words is higher than I was expecting, so I’m happy. And to be able to say that I’m on the home straight to the finish line is motivating.

It’s the first of November and I want to wish all NaNoWriMo participants the best of luck. I can’t make the commitment this year, but I’m happy to be a cheerleader for all who are taking on the challenge. I hope you all hit your target and have fun in the process.

Excerpt from this week’s work in progress:

Plaster falls from the ceiling as feet thunder above us.  The rumble of hundreds of mouths chattering, laughing, and generally having too good a time seeps through to us in cells.  It’s sick considering they have come to witness a murder.  Bo paces from one side of the cell to the other, chewing her nails down to the quick. I watch her from my spot on the floor.

“Stop eyeballing me and talk to me, distract me,” she says, wringing her hands together.